Question 1

What is California's Three Strikes Law and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Under California's Three Strikes Law, a person with two prior serious or violent felony convictions who is convicted of any new felony faces a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. Even a first or second strike dramatically increases the penalties for any future felony conviction. If you are facing a charge that could count as a strike, that consequence has to be at the center of your defense strategy.

Question 2

What does it mean that some felonies are 'wobblers'?

Accepted Answer

A wobbler is a crime that can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor at the prosecutor's discretion, depending on the circumstances of the offense and the defendant's history. Wobblers can also sometimes be reduced to misdemeanors after sentencing if you complete probation successfully. Not all serious felonies are wobblers, but identifying wobbler status early can significantly change the outcome of a case.

Question 3

What happens at a felony arraignment?

Accepted Answer

At arraignment, charges are formally read to you and you enter a plea. Bail is also addressed at this hearing. Arraignment typically occurs within 48 to 72 hours of arrest. Having an attorney at arraignment matters because this is when bail arguments are made, and the difference between release and staying in custody while your case proceeds can affect every aspect of your defense.

Question 4

What if someone falsely accused me of a violent crime?

Accepted Answer

False accusations happen, and they can be devastating. The fact that you are charged does not mean you are guilty. We investigate the accuser's credibility, look for inconsistencies in their account, examine physical evidence, and interview witnesses. In many cases, the full picture looks very different from the prosecution's initial theory.

Question 5

Can I claim self-defense in a violent felony case?

Accepted Answer

California law allows you to use force, including deadly force in some circumstances, to defend yourself or another person from imminent harm. For self-defense to apply, you must have reasonably believed you were in immediate danger and used no more force than necessary. These cases require careful analysis of witness accounts, physical evidence, and the sequence of events.

Question 6

What should I do if I'm being investigated for a felony but haven't been arrested yet?

Accepted Answer

Contact an attorney immediately. Pre-arrest representation is one of the most valuable things a defense lawyer can provide. We can communicate with investigators on your behalf, protect you from making statements that harm your case, and sometimes intervene before charges are filed. Voluntarily talking to police without counsel in a felony investigation almost always makes things worse.

Question 7

How long do serious felony cases typically take to resolve?

Accepted Answer

Complex felony cases often take twelve to twenty-four months from arrest to resolution, and sometimes longer. Serious cases involve extensive discovery, pretrial motions, expert witnesses, and sometimes lengthy trials. Moving too fast often means giving up the time needed to fully investigate your case. We pace the case to your benefit, not the court's convenience.

Question 8

What are my rights when I'm being questioned about a felony?

Accepted Answer

You have the absolute right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during any questioning. These rights apply whether you are in custody or being interviewed voluntarily. You do not have to answer questions, and you cannot be punished for invoking these rights. Clearly saying 'I want a lawyer' requires all questioning to stop immediately.

Los Angeles Serious Felony Defense Attorney.

Serious and violent felonies (each counts as a strike)

Collateral consequences of a conviction

Common Defenses & Tactics

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to talk about your case?